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The San Antonio area housing market continues to pick up steam with 5,911 homes sold in the first quarter of 2016. This is a 10 percent year-over-year increase in the number of sales according to the Multiple Listing Service Report from the San Antonio Board of REALTORS® (SABOR) which reports on all areas contained within the MLS.

The average sales price for the quarter rose three percent to $227,971 while the median sales price increased four percent to $192,900. In just the month of March, sales increased 14 percent for 2,523 homes sold.

“As we head into the spring, it is common for sales to increase. The weather is warmer and people want to beat the summer buying frenzy,” said Bob Jacobs, SABOR’s 2016 Chairman of the Board. “We ended the month with 2,439 sales still pending, more than we had at our peak last year. This increased activity sets us up for a busy spring and summer.”

Since January, home sales across the state increased as well with sales jumping 8.1 percent for a total of 60,778 homes sold with an average sales price of $246,427, a 2.7 percent increase. In Bexar County, sales rose 13.2 percent for 4,596 total sales this quarter. The average price of a home sold in the county was $217,798, a 3.9 percent year-over-year increase.

In the San Antonio and surrounding areas, just over half the homes sold since January were priced under $200,000 with this segment making up 53.56 percent of sales. Homes priced between $200,000 and $500,000 made up 42.12 percent of the homes sold and homes priced over $500,000 accounted for 4.31 percent of the sales this year.

“Our prices continue to be affordable, particularly when compared to other large cities in the state and nation,” said Angela Shields, SABOR’s President and CEO. “We are fortunate to be in an area that offers all the amenities of a big city but with housing available at a broad range of prices. There is something for everyone here.”

If you’d like help finding the home that is right for you or if you need to sell your home before making a move, it pays to work with a REALTOR who knows the San Antonio area market. Contact Trudy Edwards, of Keller Williams Realty, at (210) 595-9801 or TrueSARealEstate@gmail.com to help make your next move.

According to the statistics for September 2013, the housing inventory in San Antonio hit a six year low in September with just 4.6 months of inventory. Homes listed for sale spent an average of only 70 days on the market and 97 percent of homes sold for the listed price. According to the September 2013 San Antonio Board of REALTORS® (SABOR) Multiple Listing Service Report, a total of 2,031 homes were purchased during the month, which is a 20 percent increase over September 2012.

“We have seen our inventory getting smaller and smaller all year, making this more of a competitive market,” said Steven Gragg, 2013 SABOR Chairman of the Board. “Low inventory could result in sellers receiving multiple bids on homes located in prime locations or being able to sell closer to their asking price.”

The average price in San Antonio of a home sold in September 2013 was $205,728 and the median price was $168,700. Both median and average prices are seven percent increases from the same month in 2012. Year-to-date the average sales price also increased by seven percent to $207,103 and the median grew by six percent, to $169,900.

The price breakdowns showed a slight increase in September from previous months for homes sold in the low range (below $200,000), with those accounting for 62.24 percent. Homes priced in the mid-range (between $200,000 and $500,000) made up 33.97 percent of sales and homes costing over $500,000 accounted for 3.69 percent of homes sold.

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, the Texas housing market largely avoided the crisis other states experienced over the past few years, crediting Texas’ vibrant job market and growing population. Texas has also seen substantial declines in foreclosure notices filed. In fact, according to Realty Trac, between July and September, Texas experienced a decline of 44.6 percent in foreclosure filings, compared to 29 percent nationwide.

“Interest rates have been at historic lows for some time now allowing many people to take advantage of the opportunity. Although the rates have started to inch up, they still remain below five percent making home buying affordable for a wide range of people,” said Angela Shields, SABOR President and CEO.

San Antonio Home Sales Recap

Sep- 2011

Sep- 2012

Sep-2013

Total Month Sales

1,576

1,686

2,031

Average Price

$189,723

$193,026

$205,728

Median Price

$154,600

$158,400

$168,700

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in San Antonio and would like to learn more about the San Antonio real estate market, contact you San Antonio real estate resource, Trudy Edwards, for more information. Trudy Edwards is a real estate sales and marketing professional and an Accredited Buyer Representative with Keller Williams Realty Heritage. Contact Trudy Edwards at (210) 595-9801 or truesarealestate@gmail.com.

Alon Estates offers a rare opportunity to build your dream home in an upscale gated community in north central San Antonio within Loop 1604. Alon Estates offers beautiful wooded home sites and greenbelt lots, offering a secluded park like atmosphere for its residents.

Shopping, dining and recreation are all within walking distance, including HEB and Starbucks at Alon Town Shopping Center and many other fine retailers and conveniences close by.

Also within walking distance of the community are the Sheldon Vex Theatre, the Jewish Community Center and the 311 acre Phil Hardberger Park which features a 1.5 acre dog park, a playground, basketball courts and walking and bike trails. Alon Estates is also convenient to world class medical facilities at the South Texas Medical Center and is within easy access to major highways such as Loop 410, IH10, 1604 and 281.

At Alon Estates homes are available from three of San Antonio’s most prestigious and reputable builders, Toll Brothers, Sitterle and Rialto Homes.

Toll Brothers homes at Alon Estates feature magnificent kitchens, elegant bathrooms and sumptuous baths. Some of the outstanding features included as standard include stainless steel KitchenAid® appliances including range, microwave and dishwasher, granite countertops, tile backsplashes and 42” cabinets. The elegant master bathrooms include as standard a soaker tub, separate shower and his and her vanities with granite countertops and under mount sinks.

Toll Brothers Model Home at Alon Estates

Toll Brothers Model Foyer

Toll Brothers Model Kitchen

Toll Brothers Elegant Kitchen

Toll Brothers Model Master Bedroom

Sumptuous Master Bath at Toll Brothers Model

The Toll Brothers Homes at Alon Estates are the “Toll Green environmentally friendly product”, featuring high efficiency 14 SEER air conditioning units, radiant barrier sheathing in the attic and Low-E vinyl windows. Available in a wide choice of architectural styles including traditional, Mission, Mediterranean and Tuscan with floor plans ranging from 2243 square feet to 4225 square feet.

At Alon Estates Rialto Homes offers their Executive Series and Platinum Series of “Mediterranean-Tuscan” elevations, with exceptional architectural features that include courtyards, rotundas, spiral staircases with wrought iron balustrades, side entry garages and 3 car garages. A selection of notable features that are standard in both the Executive and Platinum series of Rialto Homes at Alon Estates include gourmet kitchens with granite counter tops, ceramic tile backsplash, 42” cabinets, 36” stainless steel gas cook tops with five burners, two 30” built in double ovens with a true convection oven and a built in microwave. Also standard are luxurious master baths with granite countertops, under mount sinks, a 42” jetted tub, a separate shower and separate enclosed water closets.

If you would like more information about this community, homes available to buy now or how to build the home of your dreams in Alon Estates, contact Trudy Edwards of KELLER WILLIAMS Realty Heritage at truesarealestate@gmail.com or (210) 595-9801.

With interest rates at historic lows and the summer months just around the corner, the San Antonio residential housing market is continuing to flourish with steady increases in sales prices and the number of homes sold each month.

The San Antonio Board of REALTORs® latest Multiple Listing Service report revealed that in March 2013 the average sales price of a single family residential home was $194,271, up five percent from last year. The median sales price remained at $158,900, the same as March 2012.

Days on market fell to just 90 days on the market in March, down from 99 days on the market in February. There were 1,826 home sales closed in March and 1,935 sales still pending at the end of March.

“Low rates continue to make this a prime time to buy and sell real estate. We saw how the low rates caused the housing market to prosper in 2012, and we are continuing to see that trend as 2013 fares even better,” said Steven Gragg, 2013 SABOR Chairman of the Board.

The average rate for a 30-year fixed loan recently fell to below 3.5 percent according to Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey®. The average rate on the 15-year fixed mortgage dipped below 2.7 percent.

Housing inventory is at 5.3 months, compared to 6.6 months at this time last year. With a quick turnaround in sales, the market is skewing in favor of sellers with 96.9 percent of homes being sold for list price.

Homes sold in the price range under $200,000 accounted for 66.8 percent of total homes sold and those between $200,000 and $500,000 accounted for 29.2 percent. Homes priced at $500,000 and more made up 3.9 percent of the total sales for March.

“San Antonio was recently ranked by Forbes as one of the top 25 cities in the country to retire, citing the city’s low cost of living and stable economy. While other cities in the country experience peaks and downturns, San Antonio remains steady and consistent which makes it the perfect place to call home,” said Angela Shields, SABOR President and CEO.

The February 2013 Multiple Listing Service report from the San Antonio Board of REALTORS® showed signs pointing to a healthy real estate market in San Antonio.

San Antonio home sales were up eight percent (8%) in February with 1,379 homes sold. Another indicator of a healthy housing market is that 96.3 percent of those homes sold for the list price.

Single family residential homes spent a mere 99 days on the market in February 2013, which is a four percent decrease from this time last year.

“Low days on market indicate consumers are finding homes more quickly and we are tilting more towards a seller’s market,” said Steven Gragg, 2013 SABOR Chairman of the Board.

According to Fannie Mae’s February 2013 National Housing Survey, 25 percent of those surveyed say they believe it is a good time to sell a house. This is the highest percentage ever recorded in the survey’s history.

In addition to the quick turnaround of home sales, there has been a boom in luxury homes for the month with 4.4 percent of total homes sold being over $500,000, the highest percentage since 2011.

Homes sold in the range under $200,000 accounted for 66.1 percent of total homes sold and those between $200,000 and $500,000 accounted for 29.6 percent. The average sales price for February 2013 for single family residential homes was $194,003 while the month’s median price was $157,000.

“With spring and summer around the corner, we are getting ready to enter our busiest season. We are hopeful that market conditions will continue to be this favorable, allowing both buyers and sellers to be satisfied in their transactions,” said Angela Shields, SABOR President and CEO.

San Antonio Sales Recap

February 2011

February 2012

February 2013

Total Month Sales

1,079

1,278

1,379

Average Price

$179,035

$184,397

$194,003

Median Price

$146,000

$150,500

$157,000

For more information about buying or selling a home in the San Antonio area, contact San Antonio real estate resource, Trudy Edwards of Legend Realty Group, KELLER WILLIAMS Realty Heritage at (210) 595-9801 or truesarealestate@gmail.com for a complimentary consultation, or visit TrueSARealEstate.com.

If you are thinking of selling your home, or whether it is on the market already, your home needs to look fresh and appealing to buyers, online and in person. This list details 10 things that you can do right now in your home for free to help improve your home’s marketability. Following these tips will help you attract more buyers to set appointments to see your home and make your home more appealing to buyers when they view your home.

Keep the Front Yard Trimmed and Tidy. Create a great first impression by keeping your lawn weed free, trimmed and edged. Rake up any leaves and keep shrubs neatly trimmed and shaped. Colorful seasonal flowers can make a dramatic impact and help attract interest in your home, especially for the photos.

Wash the Windows. It’s amazing how much dirt and grime can build up on your windows over time, making your windows look dark and dull. Cleaning your windows inside and out will help make your home look clean and appealing from the outside and more light and airy on the inside.

Keep Your Home Odor Neutral. Your home’s odor can make a powerful first impression. If you are a smoker, or have pets, you might not notice the odors in your home, but home buyers certainly will. Thorough cleaning of carpets and drapes will help to reduce odors, as will keeping the air circulating throughout the home. Air fresheners are available in many different long lasting forms these days such as plug-ins, solids, liquids, and automatic misters.

De-Clutter Your Home.You are getting ready to move, so why not start packing? Each box that you fill will be less to do later, and will help your home look cleaner and more spacious. You will also want to make sure that all mail and personal papers are stored out of sight.

De-Personalize Your Home. We don’t want to totally remove the character from your home, but removing personal items such as photographs, children’s names on bedroom walls and collectible memorabilia will help to maintain your privacy and make it less distracting for home buyers who are trying to envision themselves living in your home.

Create More Space in Your Closets. Create the sense that your home has plenty of storage space by making sure your closets have room to move in. Pack away clothing and accessories that are not in season.

Make Minor Repairs. You don’t want to give buyers the impression that your home is not well maintained. Buyers will also be looking for any reason to reject your home or to negotiate a price reduction. So take care of any leaky faucets, patch up and paint any minor holes or cracks in the walls, replace the torn window screens and you will attract more potential buyers and minimize reductions or repairs to be negotiated later.

Keep your Home Clean and Ready for Showings. Once your home is on the market, your home may be shown while you are at work or out shopping, or at short notice while you are at home. Get in the habit of keeping your home clean and ready for showings. Keep non-essential items off of counter tops. Keep a basket with a duster, polish and wipes at hand to quickly wipe surfaces.

Keep Pets Confined.If it is possible to remove your pets from the home during showings, then that is the best solution. If pets can’t be removed from the premises, for example, while you are at work, then it is best to have to them confined in crates if possible.

Stay Away During Showings. When your home is being shown by a Real Estate agent to prospective buyers, you should leave the house during the showing. Buyers often feel uncomfortable if the Sellers are present during a showing and as a result spend much less time looking at the home. Leaving the home and staying out of sight during showings, allows home buyers to take their time to comfortably tour and consider your homes features and suitability.

I hope that you found these home selling tips to be of benefit. For more home selling tips and seller resources, visit my website at TrudyEdwards.YourKWAgent.com

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in San Antonio, this is a good time to be in the market. The San Antonio Board of REALTORS® (SABOR ) recently reported a 7 percent increase in September sales compared to the same month in 2011, according to the September 2012 Multiple Listing Service report by). The average and median prices for September are also up, both showing a 2 percent increase from last year.

“Sales in the midrange of prices ($200,000 to $500,000) have been up the last several months, peaking in June,” Liza Reyes, SABOR Chairman of the Board, said. “This month, a good portion of sales continued to occur in this midrange, which kept prices higher and on par with previous months.”

Locally, the total number of homes sold has steadily increased in 2012, with only a small taper in September after the summer boom. However, the comparative increase in sales, with 1,683 homes sold in San Antonio in September 2012, compared to 1,534 in September 2011, confirms that the local housing market is holding steady.

Mortgage rates this month at or around 3.49% are back at record lows. The decline in the 30-year fixed rates is partially due to a result of the Federal Reserve’s recent move to buy $40 billion of mortgage-backed securities each month until the job market improves. As a result, mortgage applications for refinancing and home purchases increased across the nation.

Home buying affordability remains high for home buyers who buy now while rates are low.

Setpember 2010

September 2011

September 2012

Total Month Sales

1,391

1,534

1,683

Average Price

$185,778

$190,211

$192,594

Median Price

$149,900

$152,500

$157,900

For more information about buying or selling a home in the San Antonio area, contact San Antonio real estate resource, Trudy Edwards of Legend Realty Group, KELLER WILLIAMS Realty Heritage at (210) 595-9801 or truesarealestate@gmail.com for a complimentary consultation.

Your True San Antonio Real Estate Resource

Trudy Edwards is a San Antonio REALTOR®, selling homes in San Antonio, Texas.
Trudy Edwards is an agent at KELLER WILLIAMS Realty Heritage, helping home Buyers and home Sellers in the San Antonio area.
Trudy Edwards is a licensed REALTOR®, member of the National Association of REALTORS®, Texas Association of REALTORS® and San Antonio Board of REALTORS®.
Trudy supports and actively participates in visual arts, music, dance and theater. Trudy is also very active in her local community through participation in her neighborhood association.